The RT PTA wants to make every child’s potential a reality. We help to complement class time by supporting field trips, cultural performances, and specific programs like Book Fair and GeoBowl. Below are some of the opportunities we help provide students at RT:

GeoBowl

The Geography Bowl (GeoBowl) begins in September when the GeoBowl packets are distributed to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. Kids complete their packets, parent volunteers make corrections, and when kids get the packets back, they study for the GeoBowl quiz. Top scorers on the quiz in each class get to represent their class as a GeoBowl team. Teams study and prepare for the GeoBowl which usually takes place in January. The whole class can be involved in helping the team get ready and classes often have posters at the GeoBowl and cheer their classmates in the GeoBowl. At the GeoBowl, teams take turns answering questions (all from information in the packets). Winning teams earn a prize and ribbons.

PTA after school activities offer a variety of programs throughout the year to enrich your child's school experience. We work with diverse organizations, usually running 5 programs every Fall, Winter and Spring. Classes generally run 60-90 minutes, one day per week, for 6-8 weeks and are typically held in the International Room (or Art Room for art classes).

Kindergartners and first graders are escorted to the appropriate room when school dismisses - older children make their own way to the room.

Garden

We are lucky to have a beautiful courtyard garden with large raised beds and salad tables for hands-on, garden-based learning, along with a pond and perennial beds established through the county’s RainScapes program. Starting in Kindergarten, students learn about soil and plant parts; plant bulbs and seeds; and celebrate their harvests, often experiencing surprising tastes for the first time. The PTA’s Garden Committee maintains this garden space as well as the natural garden and paths that welcome families at the entrance every morning. Parent volunteers are always welcome - in the classroom (indoors and out!), weeding and mulching. Contact Lisa Büttner (202-262-8192 or lisa.buttner@gmail.com).

Book Fair

The PTA Book Fair is held twice a year. The Fall book fair, which is the smaller of the two, happens every November during the two days of Parent-Teacher Conferences. This book fair is targeted more for parents, but students enjoy it too. Parents are invited to shop the book fair before and after their conferences --- 100% of the proceeds from the Fall book fair are used to support the larger Spring book fair, which is usually in March or April, and lasts for a full week. Students visit the Spring fair with one of their teachers and every student receives a $5 voucher from the PTA to purchase (or use toward the purchase of) the book of their choice. The book fair welcomes volunteers and encourages parents, Leadership Club students and RT alumni wanting SSL hours to get involved. Contact Leigh Sours Mondragon (SoursLA@hotmail.com).